Student leader stands up against racism, sentenced under York University Student Code of Conduct

TORONTO, May 25 /CNW/ - The President of the York Federation of Students
(YFS) was recently fined under the Student Code of Conduct for his involvement
in a protest that opposed racism on campus. Although Code of Conduct rulings
are confidential, information about this ruling has been leaked to the media.
"I found out about the ruling when I saw it on TV," said YFS President
Krisna Saravanamuttu. "Code of Conduct rulings are supposed to be
confidential." According to the Code, only the defendant, complainant, and
University Administration have access to the Code of Conduct proceedings.
Over the past several months numerous complaints have been filed to the
University about racist remarks against racialized students yet nothing has
been done.
"Several formal complaints were made to the University about students
making racist comments on campus, yet the University did nothing. I decided to
stand up against racism and I think it's absurd that I was fined by the
University for saying "racists off campus," said Saravanamuttu. "When racist
incidents happened on campus and nothing was done about it students took a
stand, and for that we were punished."
Within minutes of seeking donations to help pay off his fine, several
community members came forward to help. "We are not going to stand by while a
member of our community is fined for standing up against racism," said Odion
Osegyefo, President of the York University Black Students Alliance. "When
members of our community stand up against racism, we stand beside them."

For further information: or to arrange an interview please contact:
Krisna Saravanamuttu, York Federation of Students President: (647) 448-0576,
president@yfs.ca